Our interview with a house-sitter and travel blogger Madolline Gourley
We chatted to Madolline Gourley, house and cat sitter, on how else you can save and earn money through house sitting.
Free(ish) transport and groceries
On my last trip, an Austin couple gave me a $100 gift card for Whole Foods (American grocery store).
On my last trip, an Austin couple gave me a $100 gift card for Whole Foods (American grocery store).
I've also been given the use of a guy's public transport pass in Boston. This would have saved me about AUD$100 over the 2-week stay.
Most, if not all, of the people I've sat for have said I'm welcome to anything in the fridge and pantry, and don't have to replace it. And about half the people I've sat for have had vegetable gardens and encouraged me to eat from them. Some have even shouted me meals or cooked me dinner.
People have also picked me up from the airport and driven me back. This has saved me a lot of money given most airport rides are US$30+. So there's a lot of less obvious savings to be had in addition to the free accommodation.
Making money whilst house sitting
I am still technically employed when I travel... And, obviously, in countries like the USA, you'd need a special visa or sponsorship to work while house sitting. But if you run your own online business, which a lot of people do, then obviously, you can work as you go! Or if you're in a country that has relaxed foreign working conditions, then that would also be an option.
If you run your own online business, which a lot of people do, then obviously, you can work as you go!
I also run/ran a small editing and proofreading business. And it still exists, but I don't put much effort in getting the business's name out there. Or attempting to get clients. I mean, I could make money off this while I travel, but editing people's assignments (e.g. PhD submissions) are very time consuming and draining.